Effective IT strategies are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, and for global kitchenware brand Joseph Joseph, technology has been a critical driver of growth and innovation. Terry Jordan, IT Director at Joseph Joseph, has been instrumental in this transformation, steering the company’s IT initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and foster continuous innovation.
A Mission to Transform
When Terry joined Joseph Joseph 18 months ago, he stepped into a role that required immediate and decisive action. The company was in the midst of a complex transformation project, which included the implementation of SAP S/4HANA, integration of an analytics platform, and development of a new B2B commerce system. With his experience from Dr. Martens and Burberry, Terry quickly restructured the team, redefined goals, and aligned efforts with the company’s ambitious timelines and budget. His mission was clear: turn the project around, unify the team, and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
At Joseph Joseph, IT is not merely a support function but a vital component of the company’s overall strategy. Terry Jordan emphasises the importance of aligning IT initiatives with business objectives, ensuring that every technological investment contributes to the company’s vision for growth. “Our approach has always been to view IT as an enabler of business success,” Jordan explains. “We focus on implementing solutions that address our current needs while positioning us for future growth.”
“Our approach has always been to view IT as an enabler of business success”
The Strategic Need for Change
The decision to migrate to SAP was made prior to Terry’s arrival, motivated by the need to replace an ageing ERP system that had become increasingly challenging to manage. The existing system could no longer support the company’s expanding operations, leading to inefficiencies and compromised data integrity. The move to SAP was seen as an opportunity to reset—to build a robust, scalable platform that could sustain Joseph Joseph’s growth over the next 20 years. This comprehensive transformation involved not only the implementation of a new ERP system but also the integration of advanced reporting functions, the elimination of outdated practices, and the establishment of a solid foundation for future success.
Embracing Cloud Technology
Under Terry Jordan’s leadership, Joseph Joseph has strategically adopted cloud technology as a core component of its IT strategy. By transitioning critical systems to the cloud, the company has gained greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. “Cloud technology has been a game-changer for us,” says Jordan. “It has streamlined our operations, reduced costs, and ensured that our systems can scale in tandem with the business.”
A crucial element of this transformation was the integration of advanced analytics. Merging legacy ERP data with new SAP data to generate actionable insights was a complex but necessary task. Terry’s approach focused on simplifying the technical aspects to ensure that the emphasis remained on delivering tangible business value. The result was a suite of data models feeding live dashboards and interactive reports, providing leadership with real-time intelligence that has dramatically enhanced decision-making processes.
Collaboration with Arreoblue
Building the right team was crucial for this transformational project’s success. Terry prioritised assembling a team that was not only technically proficient but also profoundly attuned to the business’s needs. “We don’t build technology teams that operate in isolation; we build technology teams that are deeply integrated with the business,” Terry explained. This business-oriented approach, combined with end-to-end solid accountability, outcome-focused strategies, and a commitment to innovation, became the guiding principles for the project.
Throughout this journey, collaboration with Arreoblue was crucial. Terry stressed the importance of trusting chosen partners, allowing them to lead with their expertise and methodology. “Once I met the Arreoblue team, I knew their approach felt right,” said Terry. The partnership was seamless, with Arreoblue working closely with the Joseph Joseph team to ensure the project’s success.
Successes and Lessons Learned
One of the most significant achievements of the project was the successful go-live of the new system. While perfection is always the aim, Terry advocates for the 80/20 rule, emphasising that operationalising the system was the priority. The post-go-live period, though challenging, offered valuable opportunities for continuous improvement and adaptation. “Looking back, no one sees the challenges; they see the success. We did it. We’re live,” Terry reflected.
The impact of this transformation has been profound. The cumbersome manual Excel reports and macros of the past have been replaced by dynamic, real-time reports that empower Joseph Joseph’s leadership to make faster, more informed decisions.
Looking Ahead: The Future of IT at Joseph Joseph
As Joseph Joseph continues to grow, Terry Jordan remains focused on staying ahead of the technological curve. With plans to further enhance the company’s IT infrastructure, he is committed to driving continued success through innovative solutions. “The future is exciting,” he says. “We are constantly exploring new technologies and approaches that will help us stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.”
At Arreoblue, we are proud to support visionary leaders like Terry Jordan, who are committed to leveraging technology for business success. By focusing on strategic IT management, embracing cloud technology, enhancing security, and driving innovation, Joseph Joseph is well-positioned for continued growth in the years to come.
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